MADISON, Wis. — Madison Parks Foundation will celebrate the completion of a full kitchen renovation at Warner Park Community Recreation Center (WPCRC) as part of the center’s Ribbon Cutting & Grand Reopening Celebration on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1625 Northport Dr. The ribbon cutting and remarks begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by tours, activities, a movie, food trucks, and more through 2:00 p.m.
The kitchen renovation, made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, marks the first update to the space since the building was originally constructed in 1999.
This investment comes at a pivotal time for WPCRC, which recently expanded to serve a growing number of families and youth throughout the northside community. The newly equipped kitchen will support a wider range of programming, including the K.N.O.W. (Kids Need Opportunities at Warner) program and the senior meal program, and will also better accommodate outside caterers serving groups that rent the facility for private events.
Outfitted with commercial-grade appliances from Kavanaugh’s, the renovated kitchen now includes a six-burner electric stove and oven, two warming units, two large side-by-side refrigerators, a new dishwashing unit, and six new induction burners. New shelving and cookware were also added to fully outfit the space for daily use.
The addition of induction burners opens new programming opportunities for K.N.O.W. and other area community centers, allowing WPCRC to host cooking classes for youth. Induction technology offers a safer teaching environment, as the cooking surface itself does not become hot to the touch, reducing burn risk for young learners.
Thank you to Zach Watson, Marquis Sanders and Chad Norquist of Warner Park Community Recreation Center for their dedication to this project and for helping us understand the center’s evolving needs. Their partnership ensured Madison Parks Foundation’s gift made the greatest possible impact for the community.
“This kitchen renovation reflects exactly what Madison Parks Foundation exists to do — step in and fill critical gaps where the Parks Division doesn’t have the resources,” said Stephanie Franklin, President & Executive Director of Madison Parks Foundation. “This space will now serve hundreds of youth and families every week, from cooking classes with K.N.O.W. to senior meals. We’re grateful to our donors and partners for making it possible.”
Media are welcome to attend the July 8 celebration for tours, interviews, and photo opportunities.
